Field Trip FAQs

How do we book a field trip to the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas?
All school field trips require a reservation. To book, complete the Field Trip Request Form on our website. Reservations for the 2025–2026 school year open in early August.

Does it cost anything to book a field trip to the museum?
Admission is free for students, teachers, and required chaperones. We will even reimburse eligible schools for the cost of their buses.

What is Bus Transportation Reimbursement mean?
Nevada public schools may be eligible for travel reimbursement. Funding is limited and offered first come, first served. Your school will need to ensure the school district sends an invoice for the bus to dmhfiscal@nevadaculture.org. 
View the program info here or email educationnsmlv@nevadaculture.org to ask.

What information do I need to complete the Field Trip Request Form?
You’ll need your school’s name, contact info, preferred visit date(s), number of students and adults, grade level, and whether you’re requesting guided activities. Please note any accessibility needs or special requests.

What communication will I receive prior to the field trip?
Once confirmed, you’ll receive a confirmation packet with your itinerary, guidelines, contact info, and arrival instructions. Reminders will be sent as your visit approaches. The week before the scheduled field trip, the teacher will receive a reminder email including a downloadable worksheet for the students to use as they move through our Permanent Gallery. These worksheets will be specific to the theme selected on the Field Trip Request Form. Teachers are required to print copies of the worksheets prior to arriving at the museum.

How do I request Field Trip Activity Resources and Worksheets?
On the Field Trip Booking Form, select from one of the available Field Trip Topics (e.g., Natural Nevada, Nevada Past to Present, Nevada State Symbols, or Civil Rights in Las Vegas).

You will receive a reminder email approximately one week ahead of your scheduled field trip, which will include the downloadable worksheet for the students to use as they move through our Permanent Gallery. Teachers are required to print copies of the worksheets prior to arriving at the museum.

When are field trips offered?
Field trips are available on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Can we visit the Springs Preserve during our museum field trip?
Yes, but a separate reservation is required through the Springs Preserve’s website. Entry is not included with your museum booking. School groups planning to visit both the Nevada State Museum and Springs Preserve must book directly through the Springs Preserve’s website and coordinate staggered entry for groups of 50 or fewer with Springs Preserve.

What time should we arrive?

• Museum-only groups may begin at 9:00 a.m.

• Groups visiting both the museum and Springs Preserve must begin at 10:00 a.m.

Where do buses unload? Where do we park?
Buses unload at the Springs Preserve main entrance. Buses may not park on the upper-level ramp or second-floor parking lot due to weight restrictions. Museum staff will include a bus pass in your confirmation packet to give to the bus driver. This pass must be displayed on the windshield for Springs Preserve security to verify museum access.

Parking for personal vehicles is available in the shared lot.

How do we enter the museum if not visiting Springs?
All school groups must check in at the Springs Preserve entrance. Museum staff will escort the group to the museum, but the lead educator must be present at arrival and have submitted their contact information in advance.

All visiting groups are welcomed with a short orientation at the entrance of the museum.

Please note: Once your field trip is approved, you will receive a Field Trip Confirmation & Guidelines packet. All participating educators and chaperones must review and agree to these guidelines in order to confirm their booking. You are responsible for your group’s compliance and the distribution of the guideline’s information.

Why are we limited to 50 students at a time?
To ensure a safe and smooth visit for all guests and staff, field trip groups are limited to no more than 50 students per entry.

Can we bring more than 50 students?
Yes, but you must coordinate staggered entry or additional programming directly with Springs Preserve.

What supervision is required?
A minimum of 1 chaperone per 10 students is required. Students must remain with their teacher or chaperone at all times.

Can students visit the museum store?
Yes, with supervision. Limit 10 students in the store at a time, with each group or 10 students or less accompanied by a teacher or chaperone.

NSMLV offers a range of field trip experiences aligned with Nevada Academic Content Standards in Social Studies and Science. Educators can choose between self-guided visits or enhanced options including guided tours and staff-led activities.

What is a self-guided tour?
Your group explores exhibits independently, after a short orientation from museum staff. Teachers and chaperones lead the experience.

How much staff support is included in a self-guided tour?
Museum staff will be present to welcome your group and may offer support in the galleries, but they do not lead the experience.

Can we request a guided tour or staff-led activity?
Yes. Guided tours and staff-led activities are available as enhanced experiences for groups of 50 students or fewer. These must be requested when you submit your reservation and require booking at least three weeks in advance. Availability depends on staff scheduling and is not guaranteed.

Can I request worksheets for students?
Yes. You must request them during your initial reservation. On the Field Trip Booking Form, select from one of the available Field Trip Topics (e.g., Natural Nevada, Nevada Past to Present, Nevada State Symbols, or Civil Rights in Las Vegas) and museum staff provide you with a downloadable worksheet, approximately one week ahead of your scheduled field trip, for the students to use as they move through our Permanent Gallery.

Do I need to print these worksheets for my students?
Teachers are required to print copies of the worksheets prior to arriving at the museum. Museum staff will not guarantee any available copies at the time of your visit.

What should students bring?
Printed worksheets and pencils are welcome. Backpacks, food, drinks, and gum are not permitted inside galleries. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Museum staff may provide limited quantity clipboards and pencils for students to use while going through the museum. All pencils and clipboards must be returned at the conclusion of the field trip.